Share this @internewscast.com

Former President Donald Trump told top European officials while he was in office that the United States would never help Europe if it came under attack, according to a high-level E.U. official.

Thierry Breton, a French commissioner who is responsible for the European Union’s internal market, said Trump made the remarks to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2020.

Breton recounted his recollection of the meeting, which he also attended, at a panel discussion in Brussels on Tuesday. His comments prompted sharp criticism of Trump on Wednesday from U.S. President Joe Biden’s campaign for re-election.

“You need to understand that if Europe is under attack, we will never come to help you and to support you,” Breton quoted Trump as saying during the Davos meeting.

“By the way, NATO is dead, and we will leave, we will quit NATO,” Trump also said, according to Breton, speaking at an event hosted by the Renew Europe political party at the European Parliament.

“And by the way, you owe me $400 billion, because you didn’t pay, you Germans, what you had to pay for defense,” Breton quoted Trump as saying.

Asked whether von der Leyen’s recollection of Trump’s remarks matched those of Breton, a spokesperson for the European Commission president declined to comment.

“Out of principle the President NEVER discloses what her interlocutors have told her during closed door meetings. So we are not going to comment either way,” the spokesperson said in an email.

Phil Hogan — an Irishman who was European Trade Commissioner and, according to Breton, also attending the Davos meeting — did not immediately reply to an emailed request for comment.

Trump is the frontrunner to be the Republican nominee in the 2024 presidential election, with opinion polls predicting a tight contest against President Joe Biden in the November vote.

A spokesperson for Biden’s campaign said: “The idea that he would abandon our allies if he doesn’t get his way underscores what we already know to be true about Donald Trump: The only person he cares about is himself.”

Trump’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

During his first term from 2017 to 2021, Trump repeatedly clashed with traditional allies over trade and defense spending.

Trump himself has offered few clues about the foreign policy he would pursue were he to win in 2024 beyond broad claims like ending the Ukraine war in 24 hours, prompting concern in European capitals.

During a second term, he would likely install loyalists in key positions, allowing him more freedom to enact isolationist policies and whims, according to current and former aides and diplomats.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Archaeologists make 'remarkable' discovery from bloodiest battle in Scottish history after nearly 280 years

Unveiling History: Stunning Archaeological Find from Scotland’s Bloodiest Battle After 280 Years

In a remarkable discovery, archaeologists have unearthed an unexploded mortar shell from…
Oklahoma tornado barrels through Enid, damaging homes and shutting down roads

Tornado Strikes Enid, Oklahoma: Homes Damaged and Roads Closed

On Thursday, a devastating tornado tore through Oklahoma, ripping the roofs off…
Odds for California governor sway massively after snorefest debate

California Governor Race Heats Up as Debate Shifts Betting Odds Dramatically

Last night’s gubernatorial debate in California appears to have shifted the momentum…
2026 NFL Draft: Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, whose mother Ashley Griggs died in Chicago shooting, drafted No. 4 overall

2026 NFL Draft: Ohio State’s Carnell Tate Honors Late Mother Ashley Griggs, Secures No. 4 Pick

In a significant moment for both the athlete and his supporters, Carnell…
2 Washington men spent decades under identities taken from dead children: police

Decades-Long Identity Fraud Uncovered: Washington Men Used Deceased Children’s Identities, Police Report

Two men in their 50s face allegations of assuming the identities of…
California Democratic Gov. candidates hesitate to grade Gavin Newsom

California Democrats Reluctant to Evaluate Gov. Gavin Newsom: A Political Standoff

Wednesday night’s debate for California’s governor’s race, featuring a lineup of four…
The Kremlin’s war on censorship looks a lot like trigger warnings in NYC, dissident Russian director says

Russian Director Compares Kremlin’s Censorship Tactics to NYC’s Trigger Warnings

Fleeing Russia in pursuit of freedom, a prominent director found himself ensnared…
Extra large pizza fest serves up slices from 40 different spots in LA this weekend

Indulge in LA’s Ultimate Pizza Extravaganza: 40 Pizzerias Unite for an Epic Slice Fest!

This weekend, downtown Los Angeles will transform into a pizza lover’s paradise…
House considers bill to create 'buffer zones' outside houses of worship to ward off protest chaos

House Proposes Bill for ‘Buffer Zones’ to Safeguard Worship Spaces from Protest Disruptions

Congress is currently weighing a new legislative proposal that aims to establish…
US sailor prepped for minesweeping in Strait of Hormuz sidelined by monkey attack

US Sailor’s Minesweeping Mission in Strait of Hormuz Halted by Unexpected Monkey Attack

Beware of unexpected encounters with the local wildlife. An incident involving a…
Iran reportedly drops more mines in Strait of Hormuz — as US moves more minesweepers into the region

Tensions Rise as Iran Allegedly Deploys Additional Mines in Strait of Hormuz; US Responds with Increased Minesweeper Presence

The United States is intensifying its minesweeping activities in the Strait of…
ICE nabs illegal aliens convicted of child sex crimes and meth trafficking in nationwide enforcement sweep

ICE Cracks Down: Nationwide Sweep Captures Convicted Child Predators and Meth Traffickers

In a concerted effort aligning with National Crime Victims Week, U.S. Immigration…